Coach Aniello Parisi under pressure amid Żabbar St Patrick’s struggles

Żabbar St Patrick coach Aniello Parisi is under extreme pressure following a 1-0 defeat to Marsaxlokk in the YoHealth Malta Premier on Thursday night, the Times of Malta can reveal.

A second-half goal by Juvhel Tsoumou condemned the Saints to their fifth defeat of the season, but of more concern for Żabbar is that they slipped to third from bottom, just two points ahead of Tarxien Rainbows and Naxxar Lions.

It is understood that the club’s top hierarchy are concerned by the team’s performances so far this season, particularly after the heavy investment in the summer transfer window.

In the close season, Żabbar have overhauled their squad, keeping just three foreign players who were on the club’s books last season.

It was clear that Żabbar’s ambitions at the start of the season were far higher than just preserving their top-flight status, and their main ambition in the Opening Phase was to try to battle for a place in the Top Six.

The club has been fully behind coach Aniello Parisi so far this season, but another negative result in Sunday’s clash against Valletta will add more pressure on him.

Parisi was installed as coach of Żabbar SP at the start of last season and, in his first season in charge, helped St Patrick to retain their top-flight status for a second successive season.